Newport is the Isle of Wight's county town, and it has the island's best spread of pubs. There's a 16th-century inn, one of the smallest real ale pubs on the island, a harbourside pub full of nautical memorabilia, and a Wetherspoons in a converted chapel. These are our picks by category, from living on the island and drinking in most of them.
If you're looking further afield, see all our Isle of Wight pub reviews.
Best historic pubSection titled Best historic pub
The Castle InnSection titled The Castle Inn
The Castle Inn on the High Street is Newport's oldest pub. The site was first licensed in 1550, and the Grade II listed building has a 1684 datestone on the front. Inside, it's low ceilings, dark wood, stone floors and a real fire in winter. There's a garden out the back, and it's dog friendly. It's the pub with the legend of a secret tunnel to Carisbrooke Castle. Read our review.
The WheatsheafSection titled The Wheatsheaf
The Wheatsheaf on St Thomas' Square is a Grade II listed former coaching inn, said to date from the 17th century. Local history says Royalists met here to discuss the future of Charles I while he was imprisoned at Carisbrooke Castle. It's also a hotel, and it changed hands in May 2025. It serves traditional pub food and Sunday roasts.
Best for sportSection titled Best for sport
The HogsheadSection titled The Hogshead
The Hogshead at 20 High Street is Newport's sports pub. Well over a dozen screens, plus projectors, show Sky and TNT Sports, and there are pool tables and darts. Expect Premier League football, rugby, darts and F1, plus a Thursday quiz and DJ nights at the weekend.
Best for live musicSection titled Best for live music
The CrispinSection titled The Crispin
The Crispin on Carisbrooke Road is a traditional town local. One half has the pool table and sports TV, and the other is a quieter lounge. It's long been a venue for local bands, so check its social media for what's on.
Runner-up: The Castle Inn, a short walk away, also has occasional live music.
Best for familiesSection titled Best for families
The Eight Bells, CarisbrookeSection titled The Eight Bells, Carisbrooke
The Eight Bells is in Carisbrooke village, on the edge of Newport below Carisbrooke Castle. It has an outdoor children's play area and indoor soft play. The big garden runs down to Lukely Brook and a millpond with plenty of ducks. It pairs well with a morning at the castle.
Best for foodSection titled Best for food
The BlacksmithsSection titled The Blacksmiths
The Blacksmiths on Calbourne Road really stands out for its food. It's on the outskirts of Newport but well worth the trip for Sunday lunch. It's family run, known for home-cooked food (its Newchurch pie has a following), and has a beer garden, a children's play area and its own car park. It's closed on Mondays.
Best for beerSection titled Best for beer
Newport Ale HouseSection titled Newport Ale House
Newport Ale House on Holyrood Street is one of the smallest pubs on the island, and the place to go for real ale. It was Isle of Wight CAMRA Pub of the Year in 2019 and again in 2023. The beers change constantly, and there's no TV, no loud music and no fruit machines. It's tiny and gets packed, but it's well worth a visit.
Best pub grub and atmosphereSection titled Best pub grub and atmosphere
The Bargeman's RestSection titled The Bargeman's Rest
The Bargeman's Rest is a big family-run pub on Little London Quay at Newport Harbour. It's in an old warehouse that once housed the sail and rigging loft for the barges that worked the river. It's great for pub grub: burgers, pies, fish and chips. It has a broad beer selection, and a museum's worth of nautical memorabilia gives it a brilliant atmosphere. In summer, sit outside and watch the boats on the Medina. It celebrated 25 years in 2024. There's step-free access and parking.
Cheapest pintSection titled Cheapest pint
The Man in the MoonSection titled The Man in the Moon
On a budget, it's hard to beat The Man in the Moon, Newport's Wetherspoons on St James' Street. It's one of the nicer Wetherspoons you'll find, in a converted 1848 Congregational chapel with outdoor areas on both sides. It's a good place to start a night out, and it opens at 8am for breakfast. Dogs aren't allowed (Wetherspoon allows assistance dogs only).
Planning a day in Newport?Section titled Planning a day in Newport?
- Our guide to Newport: what else to do in town
- The best cafés in Newport, for daytime
- Just outside town, The Crown Inn at Shorwell is our favourite country pub, on the route 12 bus
SourcesSection titled Sources
- Our own visits
- CAMRA listings: Castle Inn, Hogshead, Crispin
- The Wheatsheaf given 'new lease of life': Isle of Wight County Press
- The Hogs Head, Newport: Stonegate Pub Partners
- The Eight Bells and The Blacksmiths: Visit Isle of Wight
- Newport Ale House wins pub of the year: IW Observer
- The Bargeman's Rest celebrates 25th anniversary: Isle of Wight Radio
